UNLEASHED

Indoor Dog Parks
5151 Samuell Blvd.
Dallas, TX 75201
(214) 388-0701
www.unleasheddogparks.com

Indoor Dog Park. Every time I say this phrase to someone, I get the same quizzical look. Indoor? Dog Park? I know, at first it seems counter-intuitive. Just the thought of building an indoor park of any type seems a little strange, and to consider building one exclusively for dogs and their owners to play seems almost unnatural - if not impossible. But all it takes is one visit to UNLEASHED to convince any doubter that an indoor dog park, especially one of this caliber, is the greatest thing for Dallas dog owners since training treats.

UNLEASHED Indoor Dog Park is located off of I-30, between Jim Miller Road and Furguson Road. The park is four minutes from downtown Dallas and 10 minutes from the Lakewood neighborhood. Motorists driving on R.L. Thorton in this area cannot help but notice the massive building from the highway. The facility has 25,000 square feet of indoor park area so it's hard to miss. When the entire park is complete, there will be 2.5 acres of outdoor play areas, including waterfalls, splash ponds, bridges, and walking trails. The final plans also include a second floor for lounge areas with free Wi-Fi and flat screen TVs and an expanded cafe.

As you arrive at the dog park, you'll be greeted by one of their many employees and guided to the registration counter. After verifying that you've filled out all the necessary paperwork and your dog is up-to-date with his vaccinations, a staff member will collect $7.50 per dog (there is no additional charge per person) and will buzz you into the appropriate dog park. There is fence separating the small dogs from the large dogs, but they can see each other and say hello through the portable fence. The portability of the fence allows them to adjust the size of the play areas as their client base demands. Each of the large play areas is covered with K9Grass, which actually feels a bit like a plush lawn and apparently fools the dogs because they were rolling in it and pawing at it and doing all the natural things that dogs do on grass, if you know what I mean. There are also tables and chairs just outside the small dog park where patrons can sit and have a snack, surf the web, or just relax with their dogs.

The Unleashed Supply Center is almost just as fun as the park. This is no ordinary pet store. Sure, they have the usual supplies like leashes and treats and dog shampoo, but even those items are incredibly unique. I saw Australian rawhide made of kangaroo, chicken-flavored Doggie Brew, heated pet beds, pet ear thermometers, and Pet Head shampoo and detangler. (If Pet Head sounds familiar to you, it's because the products are made by the same company that makes Bed Head hair products.) Kelly and Cody Acree, the proud owners of UNLEASHED, made sure to fill the Unleashed Supply Center with products that you won't easily find in other pet stores. Looking for organic or holistic dog foods or "Made in the USA" chews and rawhides? You'll find them in the Supply Center. On a personal note, I love that they carry the Planet Dog line of dog toys because the company prides itself on being a socially responsible and philanthropic organization.

Aside from the amenities that they offer their guests, one aspect of UNLEASHED that cannot be overlooked is the quality staff who are always ready to assist. They are friendly, helpful, and incredibly knowledgeable. Not to toot my own horn, but I consider myself to be fairly educated about all things canine. In my two hours at Unleashed I learned that a) retired Greyhounds tend to slip on tile floors because they've never walked on slick surfaces (from a dog 'handler'), b) the quick inside a dog's nails continues to grow (from the groomer), and c) if dogs get into a fight, you should pull on their hind legs to separate them (from the Supply Center sales associate). Unfortunately, that last piece of wisdom was uttered while we watched a few dogs get into a scrap in the large dog park but the speed at which the handlers rushed in and separated the dogs was fascinating. We all know that dog fights happen and it's never pleasant, but the damage can be seriously minimized when trained professionals are standing by to help. Each park always has at least one 'handler' to walk the area and help keep the area clean (although owners are expected to pick up after their dogs) and separate the dogs if a fight occurs. The Supply Center associates also showed me around the store and pointed out their favorite products (ask about the Mr. Poops squeaky toy). The groomer, Nick Harvey, introduced himself to all the guests and describes himself as a perfectionist - always a positive in my book. I even got a quote on a scissor cut for Chewy while he played! Again, the staff is simply superb.

Other items to note:
* Unleashed offers "Play Care" but not boarding (at this time) so you can't leave your dog overnight.
* They currently have one groomer on staff but will add more as demand requires.
* The handlers can watch your dog for up to twenty minutes for free if you want to check out the Supply Center, visit the facilities, or get a snack from the cafe.
* An undeniable advantage of having an indoor dog park is the accompanying indoor bathrooms!
* Pit bull owners: I'm sorry, but UNLEASHED does not allow pit bulls in the facility for insurance reasons.

I'll update the blog as the Acrees continue to make improvements, but I encourage everyone to stop by UNLEASHED and see this incredible facility for yourself. UNLEASHED's Grand Opening is Saturday, March 28 and they have a big day planned for their guests. From 11 AM to 6 PM you can meet Gibson, the Guinness Book of World Records’ tallest dog, and the SPCA of Texas will have an adoption fair from 11 AM until 2 PM. Guests can also register for product drawings all day from UNLEASHED's premier Supply Center brands.

For more information about UNLEASHED, please visit their website at www.unleasheddogparks.com.